Created in 1967, this original color lithograph is hand signed by Marc Chagall (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985) in pencil in the lower right margin.  Numbered 51/150 in pencil in the lower left margin.  Created for the poster for the exhibition of Chagall’s graphic work at the Berggruen Gallery, Paris; printed without the letterpress out of the total edition of 150 signed and numbered proofs on Vélin d’Arches paper (aside from a few trial proofs in blue tones).

A vibrant and vividly colored yellow clown is central to this lively circus scene.  Its charismatic expression and whimsical gestures make this one of Chagalls (Vitebsk, 1887- Saint-Paul, 1985) more humorous and exciting circus renditions.  The bright mustard yellows are cleverly offset with subtle sea greens and blues, set against a background of chestnut brown.  We can even see the roaring crowd stacked in the stands and excitedly watch his gestural and colorful performance.

1)    Mourlot, F. & Sorlier, C. (1969). The Lithographs of Chagall 1962 – 1968. Boston Book & Art Shop, Inc.: Boston. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 443 on pg. 93.

2)    Marc Chagall Lithographs: La Collection Sorlier. Gauss, U. (Ed.). Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 443 on pg. 203.

Framed in museum quality archival materials, this work is set in a Renaissance-inspired gold leaf frame.  The bright gold of the moulding complements the cool tones in the work, while the elaborate curvatures cast within the frame resonate the motion and richness of the piece itself.  The simple stepped elements also accentuate the linear quality of this work.  Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.